Jan. 25, 2003

Box Score

(San Francisco) - USF's offense sputtered in the second half for the second consecutive night, converting on just .161 (5-31) after intermission as the Lady Dons lost 57-41 to Santa Clara Saturday in West Coast Conference women's basketball action at War Memorial Gym. San Francisco (6-13, 1-4 WCC) drops their fourth straight and falls to a dismal 2-7 at home, while the Broncos (13-5, 4-1 WCC) improve to 7-2 on the road.

USF trailed 24-23 at the half behind a career-high eight points off the bench from sophomore guard Louise Larsen, but she failed to score in the second as the Bronco defense tightened. The Lady Dons overcame a distressing 16 first half turnovers, by holding a 23-11 rebounding edge.

San Francisco would take what turned out to be their only lead, 27-26 in the second half on a bucket by freshman guard Joy Hollingsworth at the 18:49 mark. It was all Broncos after that. Santa Clara led by as many as 19 and the Lady Dons could get no closer than nine points inside the 10:00 mark.

Hollingsworth and junior forward Carey Sauer finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds for her first double-double of the season. Sophomore center Leeane Jensen pulled down 10 boards for San Francisco, who held a 38-36 rebounding edge.

USF committed 25 turnovers, compared to 21 for Santa Clara. The Broncos shot at a .451 (23-51) clip and shot .545 (12-22) in the second half to pull away. San Francisco managed a .255 (14-55), but went .500 (5-10) from 3-point range.

Senior guard Tammy Annas and senior forward Kendra Rhea each scored 13 to go along with eight boards apiece for the Broncos, while sophomore guard Kayla Huss added 11 points.

USF returns to action when they travel to Loyola Marymount Friday, Jan 31 and league-leading Pepperidine Saturday, Feb. 1. Both games are scheduled for a 7:00 PM start.